Vale, Tony Branson

The NRL has today paid tribute to former St George and Kangaroos player Tony Branson, who has passed away aged 73.

Branson represented Australia on eight occasions, and was also a NSW and Country Firsts representative.

“Tony was a tremendous five-eighth and made a name for himself through his selection for a Kangaroo Tour from Nowra, along with his time with St George,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“He held his own in amongst some of the finest players to have ever played the game.

“He also became a rugby league stalwart with some tireless work outside of his playing career.

“On behalf of the game I offer my sincerest condolences to Tony’s family and friends.”

Tony Branson

Born: December 18, 1946, Nowra, NSW

Career overview

Club career 1964-76

Nowra Warriors 1964-67

St George 1968-73

1968: 14 games, 2 tries, 6 points

1969: 22 games, 4 tries, 2 field goals, 16 points

1970: 11 games, 1 try, 3 points

1971: 23 games, 7 tries, 21 points

1972: 23 games, 8 tries, 3 field goals, 27 points

1973: 8 games, 1 try, 3 points

Total: 101 games, 23 tries, 5 field goals, 76 points

Wollongong 1974-76

Rep career: 1966-74

Southern Division 1966-67; Illawarra 1974; Country Seconds 1966; Country Firsts 1967; City Seconds 1969; City Firsts 1971; NSW 1967-68, 1971; Australia 1967-68, 1971.

Tests and World Cup 1967-68, 1971: 8 games, 1 try, 3 points

Tour matches 1967-68: 12 games, 2 tries, 6 points

Branson toured Great Britain and France with the Kangaroos in 1967-68 and toured New Zealand with the Australian team in 1971. He represented Australia at the 1968 World Cup

He played in the 1971 grand final for St George.

Source: David Middleton, League Information Services

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